February 20, 2025

Hawaii Electric Vehicle Tax Credits, Rebates and Incentives

5 Min. Read

With a strong focus on expanding its EV charging infrastructure and accelerating EV adoption, Hawaii is actively taking steps toward achieving a 100% clean energy future by 2045.

Empowering the state’s residents in an effort to create a more sustainable, greener future, a key part of this ambitious plan is building a robust electric vehicle (EV) charging network and encouraging residents to make the switch to EVs.

This transition is key to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a more sustainable transportation system.

With exciting rebates and incentives available to support EV charging and adoption, now is the perfect time to make the switch to an electric vehicle in Hawaii.

Hawaii Energy EV Charging Rebates

Hawaii Energy‘s rebate program helps make EV charging more accessible and affordable by supporting the installation of Level 2 and DC Fast chargers with generous rebates and savings for businesses.

Rebate amounts start at $2,000 for installing a new single-port Level 2 charging station, with savings of up to $4,500 on multi-port Level 2 EV charging stations. DC Fast charging projects are eligible for rebates of up to $35,000

Additional funding is available for retrofit projects, including up to $1,300 for Level 2 EV chargers and up to $28,000 for DC Fast chargers.

These incentives make it more affordable to upgrade existing infrastructure and support Hawaii’s clean energy goals.

Hawaii EV Rebates

While Hawaii does not currently offer EV rebates at the state or utility level, residents can take advantage of the federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit, which provides income-based incentives ranging from $2,500 to $7,500.

Hawaii EV Charging: Maximize Convenience and Savings with Residential EV Charging

Upgrading your home with a residential Level 2 charger is the most convenient way to keep your EV charged and is the best method of saving money and time with your EV, but it does come with an initial upfront investment.

To help offset the initial cost, you can claim rebates from your utility provider and take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit with the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit.

To ensure a safe, efficient, and code-compliant installation, it’s essential to work with a qualified EV charger installer.

A trusted professional can assess your home’s electrical capacity, and recommend the right charger based on the charger amperage you actually need, in addition to handling any necessary upgrades in your home for a seamless integration.

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative

KIUC residential members can benefit from a bill credit of up to $500 for installing a Level 2 home EV charger.

Businesses powered by KIUC can take advantage of the utility’s commercial EV rebate program and receive up to $5,000 for projects under $45,000 and up to $10,000 for larger installations exceeding $45,000.

Hawaiian Electric

Hawaiian Electric provides robust incentives for commercial EV charging through its Charge Up Commercial and eBus Pilot programs.

The utility’s Charge Up Commercial program fully covers the entire installation cost for installing EV charging stations at eligible businesses, multifamily properties, office buildings, and fleet depots.

Under the utility’s eBus Pilot program, Hawaiian Electric further supports electrification by funding the cost and installation of charging equipment for bus operators.

Hawaii EV Charging Rates

Charging your EV at home can be a significantly more cost-effective solution than driving a gas-powered vehicle or relying on public charging.

Many utilities also offer time-of-use plans and other special utility programs with discounted electricity (kWh) rates for EV owners, helping you save money while making the switch to electric.

Hawaiian Electric

Through its Shift and Save Pilot program, Hawaiian Electric offers tiered time-of-use rates to help customers save money by optimizing their charging costs.

The program has three tiers, including a daytime rate from 9 am to 5 pm, an evening peak rate from 5 pm to 9 pm, and an overnight rate from 9 pm to 9 am. Pricing varies from one island to another.

For example, in Hawaii you’ll pay $0.20 per kWh during the daytime. Overnight, your rate will increase to $0.41 per kWh, and then during the evening peak, you’ll pay $0.62 per kWh.

On Oahu, you’ll pay $0.17 per kWh during the daytime, $0.34 per kWh overnight, and $0.53 during the evening peak.

If you’re a Maui resident, you’ll pay $0.19 per kWh during the daytime, $0.39 per kWh for charging your EV overnight, and $0.59 per kWh during the evening peak.

On the island of Lanai, you’ll pay $0.21 per kWh during the daytime, $0.43 per kWh during the overnight time, and a rate of $0.65 per kWh during the evening peak.

On Molokai, your time-of-use rate will be $0.21 per kWh during the daytime. You’ll pay $0.43 per kWh to charge your EV overnight and $0.65 per kWh during the evening peak.

Public EV Charging Stations in Hawaii

Hawaii continues to expand its public EV charging network.

Between the state’s efforts to develop its public charging infrastructure and the thriving hospitality industry offering EV charging as a perk, it’s no surprise the state already has over 350 EV charging stations.

Hawaii has received over $17 million in NEVI funding, and the first of several NEVI-funded EV charging stations opened in February of 2024 on Kuihelani Highway.

How Many Public EV Charging Stations Are in Hawaii?

Hawaii has over 350 EV charging stations, including 308 Level 2 locations with over 690 ports and 46 DC Fast-charging locations with more than 120 ports.

The Tesla Supercharger network operates in two locations in the state, including 18 ports.

How Much Do Public EV Charging Stations Cost in Hawaii?

Pricing varies for public EV charging in Hawaii depending on several different factors.

If you use one of the Level 3 chargers operated by Hawaiian Electric, your EV charging rate will change based on your location and time of day.

For instance, charging between 9 am and 5 pm on an Oahu location would cost you $0.49 per kWh, while charging between 10 pm and 9 am at one of the Maui locations would cost $0.38 per kWh.

Are There Free EV Charging Stations in Hawaii?

Some hotels and other hospitality businesses offer free EV charging as a perk, but the Honolulu area offers the highest concentration of charging stations, making it the most convenient spot for EV drivers.

Other major cities, such as Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Kapolei, also have a growing number of charging options, ensuring accessibility across the islands.

EV Adoption in Hawaii

With the savings available via charger rebates from Hawaii utilities and special charging rates through Hawaii Electric’s Shift and Save program alongside the rapidly growing rate of EV adoption, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to electrification.

The cost savings created by adopting clean, sustainable energy are just the start of the benefits you’ll see, and by partnering with a qualified electrician who can tailor an EV charger installation to your specific needs, you can maximize these benefits even more.

As North America’s most trusted and largest network of certified EV charger installers, Qmerit is recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction, our expert network has installed over 450,000 EV charging stations across the U.S. and Canada.

Discover how Qmerit is paving the way forward for residential EV charger installation and whole-home electrification solutions. Contact us today to find out how easy home electrification can be!